So folks, when is elections?
SHAH ALAM - The media has been in a frenzy over the election date.
Firstly, we can't seem to take leave in case snap elections are called. It requires planning, manpower and a breakdown of duties.
While others fulfil their desires to travel after almost two years of lockdowns, we wait.
The speculations and rumours flying like a house on fire do not help as people are anxious if they will witness snap elections or will it be held next year.
Questions are being raised if supporters of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak will be quiet after their "Boss Ku" was sentenced to prison.
Will their party president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stay silent over the date of the delayed election?
Will Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob who has just clocked in his first year at the office give up his seat? What is the assurance he will remain the prime minister candidate once Parliament is dissolved?
Surely there are some in Umno who are upset with him for not rescuing their Bossku. Ismail Sabri had made it clear he will not interfere with the judiciary but some say he could have done more for the former prime minister.
Najib was the darling of many especially the poor Indians as he launched a workable blueprint to help the neglected community for decades. Poor Indian students were given scholarships and temple committees found to their delight their temples built during the British era in estates were given approvals.
The Chinese saw the economy improving with more money in the rakyat's pockets and are now hoping he will come back, as seen in the support he received from Johor state elections. His 1Malaysia clinic, among other people-friendly policies are remembered to this day.
But Najib is also embroiled in massive corruption cases and money laundering linked to 1MDB. If he was freed would Malaysia be respected globally? Of course, not.
The evidence against him was glaring and the five judges at the apex court followed the rule of law and did what they had to do to ensure justice was served.
Questions have also been thrown if Ismail Sabri has the strength to boost the country's economy. If Malaysians accept him as their prime minister? Would he be as fair to all as Najib? But that remains to be seen under his Malaysian Family concept.
Back to elections, there have been speculations that Najib's supporters will demand Parliament be dissolved next month and hold elections end of October.
Some say Najib's team had also proposed elections to be held in November but was shot down due to monsoon.
Then there were rumours it would be brought forward just after Chinese New Year or even to June next year.
Everyone is pushing for their agenda while we wait for an announcement.
Will there be another turmoil in Umno? Most likely yes if the election date is not decided that suits both parties. It may see a rift in the biggest Malay party widening among Najib-Zahid's supporters with Ismail Sabri's supporters.
Everyone wants to gain out of this.
I spoke to an investor two weeks ago. He told me: "Malaysia is the best".
"It has everything I need. Good infrastructure. Good food. Good weather. Good international schools. Reasonable medical and no natural disasters.
"But racism and political instability due to corruption is blatant. If you guys can sort this out, this is a paradise."
He is waiting to know when elections will be held so he can return to the US and encourage his company to invest in Malaysia if the right political party wins.
Does this include Pas? Looking at Kelantan, I think we know the answer.
The opposition may want elections delayed to garner support and have more time to attack Umno.
The nation is now again in a lockdown but this time a lockdown not caused by an unknown virus but by people who we can see and hear and are fighting tooth and nail for their self-interest.
So when will elections be held?
The stakes are high and it all depends on who has the best strategy to win one over the other.
